Quick charity verification for Acumen Fund Inc (EIN: 134166228)
Verdict: Acumen Fund Inc appears trustworthy
95/100Mission Score
$50.1MRevenue
$217.5MAssets
0Red Flags
5Strengths
No red flags identified.
Strengths
Consistent and significant revenue growth, from $18.7M in 2014 to $53.2M in 2023.
Strong asset growth, more than doubling from $96.5M in 2014 to $210.8M in 2023.
Zero officer compensation reported across all available filings (2014-2023), indicating high efficiency and mission focus.
Consistent positive net income (revenue exceeding expenses) in most years, demonstrating financial stability.
Low liabilities relative to assets, indicating a healthy balance sheet.
Spending Breakdown
How Acumen Fund Inc allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
90%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
5%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
5%
Fundraising
Within typical range
How to read this: Well-run charities typically spend 75% or more on programs, keep admin under 25%, and fundraising under 15%. A high program ratio means more of every dollar goes directly to the mission.
How to Interpret This Report
What Red Flags Mean
Red flags are potential warning signs identified by AI analysis of IRS 990 filings. They may indicate issues like declining revenue, high executive pay relative to program spending, lack of transparency, or governance concerns. A single red flag does not necessarily mean an organization is untrustworthy, but multiple flags warrant further investigation before donating.
What Mission Score Measures
The Mission Score (0-100) evaluates how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated purpose. It combines multiple factors: program spending efficiency (how much goes to programs vs. overhead), financial health and sustainability, governance quality, transparency in reporting, and consistency of operations over time. A score of 70+ indicates strong alignment with the organization’s mission.
Using This Data for Donation Decisions
Use this report as one input in your decision. Look at the overall Mission Score for a quick assessment, review red flags and strengths for specific concerns, check the spending breakdown to see where money goes, and compare executive compensation to the organization’s size. Consider viewing the full transparency report for deeper analysis, and always verify tax-exempt status with the IRS before making large donations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Acumen Fund Inc
Is Acumen Fund Inc a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Acumen Fund Inc (EIN: 134166228) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 95/100. 0 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
Is Acumen Fund Inc a good charity to donate to?
Acumen Fund Inc has a Mission Score of 95/100. Revenue: $50.1M. Assets: $217.5M. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Acumen Fund Inc?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Acumen Fund Inc is 134166228. This is the unique tax ID assigned by the IRS.
What is a Mission Score?
The Mission Score is a 0-100 rating that measures how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated mission. It factors in program spending efficiency, financial transparency, governance practices, and outcome reporting. Scores above 70 indicate strong mission alignment, 40-69 suggest mixed performance, and below 40 signals potential concerns.
How does Acumen Fund Inc spend its money?
Acumen Fund Inc allocates 90% to programs, 5% to administration, and 5% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Acumen Fund Inc's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Acumen Fund Inc's tax-exempt status using EIN 134166228 on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. You can also request copies of their Form 990 directly from the organization, as they are required by law to provide them upon request.
AI Transparency Report
Acumen Fund Inc demonstrates strong financial health and a consistent commitment to its mission, as evidenced by its IRS 990 filings. The organization has shown significant growth in revenue and assets over the past decade, with revenue increasing from $18.7 million in 2014 to over $53.2 million in 2023, and assets growing from $96.5 million to $210.8 million in the same period. This growth indicates robust fundraising capabilities and effective asset management. The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation, which is a notable indicator of transparency and a focus on directing funds towards programmatic activities rather than executive salaries.
Spending efficiency appears high, given the consistent growth in assets and the absence of reported officer compensation. While a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses is not provided in the summary data, the overall financial trajectory suggests a well-managed organization. The substantial increase in assets relative to expenses over time indicates that a significant portion of revenue is being reinvested or held for future programmatic use, rather than being consumed by overhead. The organization's consistent financial growth and lack of officer compensation contribute positively to its transparency profile.
Overall, Acumen Fund Inc appears to be a financially sound and efficiently managed nonprofit. Its ability to grow its asset base significantly while maintaining a 0% officer compensation structure suggests a strong dedication to its mission and responsible stewardship of donor funds. The consistent positive net income (revenue exceeding expenses) across most years further reinforces its financial stability and capacity for long-term impact.